Streamlined vehicle configuration

ABSTRACT

A tractor-trailer combination is streamlined by a tunnel-like air shield between the tractor cab and trailer to effect a smooth continuous body configuration. The air shield is a telescoping self-supporting structure, the length of which can be easily adjusted for the various spacings of different trailers from the tractor. The portion of the shield engaging the forward end of the trailer is flexible to permit normal articulation between the tractor and trailer. The air shield may be temporarily retracted manually or by drive-controlled power means to prevent distortion of the shield during negotiation of abnormally sharp turns.

United States Patent 1 Madzsar et a].

[ 1 Jan. 16, 1973 [54} STREAMLINED VEHICLE OTHERPUBLICATIONSCONFIGURATION Wind Tunnel Tests in Commercial Car Journal", [75]Inventors: George C. Madzsar, Lakewood; April,1955,page 80.

Assignee:

Filed:

Otto Kozma, Wickliffe,

both of Ohio White Motor Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio July 29, 1970Appl. No.: 59,238

Primary Examiner-Benjamin Hersh Assistant Examiner-Leslie J. Paperner[57] ABSTRACT A tractor-trailer combination is streamlined by atunnel-like air shield between the tractor cab and trailer to effect asmooth continuous body configuration. The air shield is a telescopingself-supporting structure, the length of which can be easily adjustedfor the various spacings of different trailers from the tractor. Theportion of the shield engaging the forward end of the trailer isflexible to permit normal articulation between the tractor and trailer.The air shield may be temporarily retracted manually or bydrive-controlled power means to prevent distortion of the shield duringnegotiation of abnormally sharp turns.

24 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJAN 16 ms 3,71 1 14s SHEET 1 [1F 3I6 3 l9 I INVENTORS GEORGE C. MADZSAR OTTO KOZMA BY 4%aL W7MV MATTORNEYS PATENTEDJAH 16 1975 3.711.146

sum 3 0F 3 L, I I] INVENTORS GEORGE C. MADZSAR Fl G 5 OTTO KOZMA W422;,M/M

ATTORNEYS STREAMLINED VEHICLE CONFIGURATION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATION Application Ser. No. 842,145 filed July 16, 1969 by ErnestR. Sternberg, entitled Over-the-I-Iighway Truck Cab," now U.S. Pat. No.3,612,599.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates toover-the-highway cargo hauling tractor-trailer combinations.Tractortrailer combinations commonly in use consist of a tractor havinga so-called fifth wheel by which a semitrailer may be attached to thetractor by an articulated connection for transportation of thesemi-trailer. A combination of this type has several major advantagesover a unitary truck including: (1) the tractor can be used to transportmany different semi-trailers and need not be idle during loading orunloading of the trailers; (2) the articulated connection between thetractor and semi-trailer provides maneuverability of the combination notpossible with a unitary truck of like capacity; and, (3) the position ofthe fifth wheel can be adjusted longitudinally to adjust loaddistribution and overall length of the assembly.

One disadvantage of tractor-trailers is that adequate clearance forarticulation to about 90 in either direction is provided which resultsin a space or gap between the rear wall of the tractor cab and theforward wall of the semi-trailer. The differences in tractortrailerheights coupled with this space between them results in considerable airturbulence and uneven air pressures in the space and adjoining placessuch as along the sides and roof of the trailer.

The air turbulence generated between the cab and the trailer isobjectionable principally because of the resultant excessive vehicledrag. To obtain maximum economical utilization of tractor-trailercombinations, relatively high roadway speeds must be maintained. Atnormal highway speeds now prevailing in the industry, the drag on thetractor due to air resistance is overcome only by needlessly largehorsepower outputs to cancel the effect of large air resistance, whichis due to the poor streamlining. This is a considerable factor inoperational costs.

Another objection to the gap between the tractor and trailer is that theair turbulence and uneven air pressures occurring along the sides of thetrailer are particularly aggravated by crosswinds. This turbulenceaccentuates the tendency for the trailer to-yaw and adds to thedifficulty of steering and handling the combination on the highways.Driving under the conditions described is fatiguing because it requiresthe constant and close attention of the driver. Furthermore, windtunneltests show air from a crosswind passing through the space between thetractor and trailer can produce a blast effect on passing vehicles.

PRIOR ART It has been proposed heretofore to reduce air turbulence anddrag between tractors and trailers by provid ing air deflectors ontractors which were intended to cause air to flow smoothly over andaround a tractor and trailer. These attempts have not proven to be fullysatisfactory. One disadvantage of the air deflectors is that they aremore or less ineffective to prevent crosswinds from passing through thespace between the tractor and trailer. Another disadvantage is they arenot as effective as the structure of this invention in minimizingturbulence.

There have been other proposals for various attachments or integrallyconstructed wind deflectors on trailers. Those proposals were intendedto cut down the turbulence around the trailer and the like. These, too,have not dealt with the problems of crosswinds, nor have they been aseffective as the structure of this invention in'reducing turbulence to aminimum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been discovered that the objectionableair turbulence between tractors and trailers can be substantiallyeliminated by enclosing the gap between the rear wall of the cab and thefront of the trailer with a tunnellike air shield structure. The wallsof the air shield provide continuous sides and roof surfaces from thecab to the trailer and thereby provide a streamlined configuration tothe combination. The air shield structure is selfsupported so as to beconveniently extended and retracted from the rear of the tractor cab toprovide proper wall alignment for trailers variously spaced from thecab. The air shield walls are generally rigid, except adjacent thetrailer where the walls are somewhat flexible. This flexibility and thefact that the length of the shield structure can be readily adjustedpermits the usual articulation between the tractor and trailer. Theprovision of the air shield results in smooth air flow patterns aboutthe tractor-trailer and the air resistance drag is thereby materiallyreduced. Calculations indicate a tractor-trailer with square feet fullscale area of conventional construction requires 141 horsepower toovercome air resistance at a speed of 60 miles per hour. This airresistance horsepower requirement is basically halved, to 74 horsepower,if the same truck is equipped with the structure of this invention.Wind-tunnel tests suggest these calculations are reasonably accurate.

With this invention, a tunnel-like air shield structure is provided. Thestructure has walls which are formed by plates supported generally sideby side and arranged to slide along adjacent plates to providetelescoping of the air shield. The structure is preferably attached tothe rear of the tractor cab. When the air shield is in its retracted orshortened position, it projects from the rear wall of the tractor cab adistance to permit access to the fifth wheel mechanism to effectconnection or disconnection of trailers to the tractor. The tunnelstructure may then be extended to whatever length is required toslightly overlap the forward ends of the top and sides of the trailer.

Preferably, the tunnel-like shield structure of this invention is usedin combination with a tractor of tallerthan-conventional height such asthat taught in the referenced Sternberg application, with a sleepingbunk above the drivers cab. Ideally, the height of the tractor is thesame as the height of the trailer so that smooth, uniform, upper andside surfaces are provided.

When the invention is constructed in the form of an accessory for aconventional vehicle, a roof section is provided which is secured to theroof of the conventional tractor extending upwardly to provide a smoothsurface extending upwardly from the tractor roof to the level of the topof the shield and the trailer.

The invention produces a series of outstanding advantages. As indicatedabove, horsepower requirements are substantially reduced. This resultsin economies both through reduced fuel consumption and better vehicleutilization. There is better vehicle utilization because: (1) reducedstrain on the engine results in longer engine life and reduced down timefor maintenance; and (2) reduced horsepower requirements permit avehicle to more quickly and more easily maintain the maximum legalspeed, thus increasing the overall average speed.

As indicated, the reduced turbulence makes the vehicle easier to operateand results in reduced drive fatigue. In addition, noise levels aredecreased and the more quite conditions also contribute to the reductionin driver fatigue.

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a novel andimproved tractor-trailer combination with a tunnellike shield structurebetween tractor and trailer to reduce the drag by the substantialelimination of tur bulence in the space between the tractor and trailer.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description thereof made withreference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of thespecification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of atractor-trailer combination embodying the invention and showing an airshield structure in its retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the air shield structureextended to close the gap between the tractor and trailer;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to FIG. 2, showingthe tractor, air shield, structure and trailer on an enlarged scale withrespect to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 4 is a sectional view as seen from the planeindicated by the line 44 of FIG. 3;

F lG. 5 is a sectional view indicated by the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view partially in plane and partially in section of thestructure shown in FIG. 5 as seen from the planes indicated by the lines6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a latch mechanismfor preventing lateral sway of a manually-operated version of the shieldof this invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of guide tracks for preventinglateral sway of the shield of this invention in an automatic operatedversion.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, atractor-trailer combination embodying the invention is shown at 10. Thecombination includes a tractor 11, a semi-trailer 12 and an extendibleand retractable air shield structure 13 between the rear of the cab andthe front of the trailer. The air shield 13 effects a streamlineconfiguration for the tractor-trailer combination and eliminatesobjectionable air turbulence' which would otherwise occur by reason ofthe gap between the tractor and semi-trailer.

The tractor 11 is preferably of the type disclosed in the referencedSternberg application. The tractor is a cab-over-engine type, includinga frame 14 and a cab 15 supported on the frame. In the form of theinvention shown, rear wall 16 of the cab extends to a cab roof 16a at aheight approximating that of the trailer 12. Where the tractor cab 15 isof a more conventional construction, having a roof at the locationindicated by the dashed lines 15a, a hood element is provided. The hoodelement corresponds in shape to that portion of the cab 15 above thedashed lines 15a and is secured in place to provide the desired overallsmooth configuration.

The trailer 12 may be a conventional semi-trailer. In the embodimentshown a depending skirt 12a is shown for further turbulence reduction.The trailer 12 is attached to the tractor by a well-known fifth wheelmechanism supported on the frame members 14 of the tractor.

The air shield structure 13 is attached to the tractor cab 15 to extendrearwardly from the cab rear wall 16. The air shield provides relativelysmooth opposite side walls 17, 18 and a top wall 19. The side walls 17,18 and top wall 19 lie substantially in the same planes as the sides andtop walls of the tractor and trailer. Preferably, the shieldstructurehas a bottom wall 20, FIG. 5, to prevent air currents entering theshield from underneath and creating turbulence.

The side walls 17, 18 extend downwardly to the plane of the bottom ofthe skirt 120. With a skirtless trailer the side walls 17, 18 arepreferably shorter, terminating substantially in the plane of thetrailer bottom.

The walls of the shield structure are formed of plates or panelsarranged side by side and supported so that adjacent plates slide alongthe surfaces thereof. This permits the shield to be extended andretracted in length by a telescoping action. With the shield structurein its operative position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air flowpatterns along the sides and tops of the tractor-trailer combination aresmooth and uninterrupted.

The side wall 17 of the air shield structure 13 is formed by fourelongated metal plates or panels 21, 22, 23 and 24 arranged upright andgenerally side by side. The plates extend from the plane of the loweredges of the cab upwardly to approximately the plane of the cab roof160. T he plate 21 has a flange portion 21a, FIG. 6. The flange portion21a is attached at the rear wall 16 of the cab so that the outer face ofthe plate 21 is flush with one side wall of the cab 15 and, in effect,forms a rearward extension of the side wall. The rearward edge of theplate 21 overlaps the plate 22 and the latter plate is supported by theplate 21. For this purpose, the overlapped portion of the plate 22 hasthree vertically spaced, headed pins 26 projecting therefrom, each ofwhich extends through one of three horizontal spaced slots 27 formed inthe plate 21. The slots 27 are narrower than the pin heads and the headsengage the outside edges of the slots and prevent lateral separation ofthe plates 21, 22. The pins 26 engage the edges of the slots 27 andserve to guide the plate 22 for movement along the inner surface of theplate 21 and support the plate 22 vertically.

A forward, vertical edge 28 of the plate 23, FIG. 5, is overlapped bythe plate 22. The plate 23 is supported by three headed pins 30projecting inwardly from the plate 22. Each pin 30 extends through anassociated one of three horizontal spaced slots 31 formed in the plate23. The heads of the pins 30 engage the edge portions of the slots andprevent lateral separation of the plates. The pins 30 cooperate with thesides of the slots 31 to guide the plate 23 for movement along the innersurface of the plate 22 and retain the plate 23 upright.

The plate 23 has a rearward vertical side edge 29, FIG. 3. A portionadjacent the rearward edge 29 overlaps the plate 24. The plate 23 isalso attached to one side of a rectangular frame 32 formed by four angleirons 33, 34, 35, 36. The frame 32 is supported upright and for movementlongitudinally of the tractor by mechanism described more fullyhereinafter.

The plate 24 extends rearwardly of the frame 32 and is arranged tooverlap the forward end of one side of the trailer 12. Preferably, theplates 21, 22, 23 are formed of a relatively rigid metal and the plate24 is formed of a relatively flexible material, such as rubber, so thatit may flex during normal articulation between the tractor and trailer.

The side 18 of the tunnel structure is the mirror image of the side 17.The side 18 is formed by plates 40, 41, 42, 43, FIG. 6. The plate 40 issimilar to plate 21 and is attached to rear wall 16 of the cab in thesame manner as is the plate 21. The plate 41 is similar to plate 22 andis supported on the plate 40 by a pin and slot arrangement in the samemanner as plate 22 is supported on plate 21 by the pins 26 and slots 27.The plate 42 is similar to plate 23 and supported on plate 41 by a pinand slot arrangement in the same manner as plate 23 is supported onplate 22 by the pins 30 and slots 31. The outer vertical edge of theplate 42 overlaps a portion of the plate 43 and is attached to the angleiron 35 of the frame 32.

The plate 43 is similar to plate 24 and is attached along one side tothe plate 42 and the angle iron 35. Like the opposite side plate 24, theplate 43 is formed of rubber and is adapted to overlap the trailer 12.

The top wall 19 of the tunnel structure is formed by plates 50, 51, 52which extend between the top edges of the sides 17, 18. The plate 50 isa forward downturned flange 50a, FIG. 5, which is attached to the cabrear wall 16. The plate 51 has a side edge portion beneath the outerside edge of the plate 50. The plate 51 is supported and guided forsliding beneath the plate 50 by three headed pins 53 attached to theplate 51. Each pin 53 extends through an associated one of three slots54 formed in the plate 50. The heads of the pins 53 cannot pass throughthe slots 54 and the pins cooperate with the slotted portions of theplate 50 to support and guide the plate 51 along the underside of theplate 50.

The plate 52 is slidingly attached to the projecting side edge portionof the plate 51 by three headed pins 55 attached to the plate 51. Thepins 55 each project through an associated one of three slots 56, formedin the plate 52. The pins 55 cooperate with the slotted portions of theplate 52 to support and guide the latter plate for sliding movementbeneath the plate 51. The plate 52 is also attached to the top angleiron 34 of the frame 32. Preferably, the plate 52 is formed of arelatively stiff, but flexible material, such as a relatively hardrubber, and it projects beyond the plane of the edges of the side plates24 and 43 to overlie the trailer.

The bottom wall of the air shield structure is formed of fourtransversely extending panels or plates 60, 61, 62, 63, FIG. 5. Theplate 60 has a turned down flange portion 60a which is secured to thecab wall 16. A forward edge portion of the plate 61 overlies a rearwardportion of the plate 60 and is supported and guided for lateral slidingmovement over the plate 60 by tree headed pins 64 attached to the plate60 and extending through slots in the plate 61. Only one pin 64 appearsin the drawing, and to avoid needless repetition, the pins and slots arenot shown in detail as they are like those described with reference tothe plates 50, 51.

The forward portion plate 62 overlies the plate 61 and is slidinglysupported along a rearward portion thereof by three spaced pins 64aextending from the plate 62 through slots in the plate 61. Again, thepins and slots are like those described with reference to the plates 51,52 and are not shown in detail. A rearward portion of the plate 62 isattached to the bottom transverse angle iron 36 of the frame 32.

A forward portion of the plate 63 overlaps the side edge portion of theplate 62 and is also suitably attached to the plate 62. The rearwardedge of the plate 62 is forward the plane of the rearward edges of theside plates 24, 43 to abut the trailer 12. Preferably, the plate 63 isformed of a resilient and flexible material, such as rubber.

The shield frame 32 is supported for movement longitudinally of thetractor and above the frame 14 by three scissors type parallelogrammingmechanisms 65, 66, 67. The two mechanisms 65, 66 are inside the shieldstructure adjacent the opposite side walls 17, 18, respectively. One endof each mechanism is attached to the cab rear wall 16 and the other endof each is attached to the frame members 33, 35, respectively. Themechanisms 65, 66 are operative to support the shield frame 32 above theframe 14 of the tractor and to maintain the frame members 33, 35parallel to the cab wall 16.

The mechanism 67 is located at the top of the interior of the shield andis connected to the cab 15 and the top frame member 34. The mechanism 67maintains the frame member 34 parallel to the plane of the rear wall 16of the cab during shifting of the frame 32 to and from the tractor cab.The joint action of the parallelogramming mechanisms maintains the planeof the frame 32 parallel to the rear wall 16 of the cab.

Referring to FIG. 5, the parallelogramming mechanism 65 comprises twocrossed bars 70, 71 pivotally joined at their centers by a pin 72. Theupper end of the bar is pivotally connected to a bracket 73 attached tothe cab wall 16 adjacent the side 17 of the air shield. The lower end ofthe bar 71 is slidingly connected with the cab wall 16. This connectionis effected by a roller 74 projecting from the bar 71 and riding in avertical guide channel member 75. The guide 75 is secured to the cabwall 16 directly beneath the bracket 73. The centerline of the guideformed by the member 75 is spaced from the wall 16 the same distance asthe centerline of the pivot for the bar 70 on the bracket 73. By thisarrangement the ends of the bars 70, 71 remote from the cab aresupported in spaced vertical relationship and as the bars are shiftedfrom and towards the cab wall, these ends of the bars converge andspread but remain parallel to a line through the pivot at bracket 73 andthe centerline of the guide 7 5.

The rearward end of the bar 71 is pivotally connected with the upperportion of the frame member 33 by a pin 76. The rearward end of the bar70 is slidingly connected with the lower portion of the frame member 33.This connection is effected by a roller 80 projecting from the bar 70and extending through a guide slot 81 formed through the frame member 33and the side plates 23, 24. The center of the pin 76 is in line with thecenterline of the slot 81.

The parallelogramming mechanism 66 is identical to the mechanism 65 andfor sake of brevity, it is not shown in detail. The mechanism 66 isattached to the cab rear wall 16 and to the upright frame member 35 inthe same manner as the mechanism 65 is attached to the cab wall andframe member 33.

Referring to FIG. 4, certain portions of the mechanism 66 appearincluding the lower portions of two crossed bars 82, 83 which correspondto the bars 70, 71. The mechanism 66 is attached to the lower portion ofthe frame member 35 by a sliding connection. This connection is effectedby a roller 84 which is secured to and projects from the bar 82. Theroller 84 extends through a vertical guide slot 85 formed through theupright frame member 35 and the side plates 42, 43. The ends of the bars82, 83 remote from the cab spread and converge as the shield frame 32 ismoved towards and from the cab and support the frame member 35 parallelto the cab wall. Thus, the two mechanisms 65, 66 maintain the sides ofthe frame 32 parallel to the cab wall as the frame is moved along pathsparalleling the centerline of the tractor.

Referring to FIGS. and 6 the third parallelogramming mechanism 67maintains the top frame member 34 of the frame 32 parallel to the cabrear wall 16. This mechanism comprises two crossed bars 86, 87 pivotallyconnected at their centers by a pin 90. The bars 86, 87 liesubstantially in a plane parallel to and immediately beneath the topplates 50, 51, 52.

The end of the bar 86 adjacent the side wall 18 is pivotally attached tothe upper transverse frame member 34 by a pin 91. The end of the bar 87adjacent the side 18 is pivoted to a bracket 92 by a pin 93. The bracket92 is U-shaped with the ends of the legs thereof secured to the cab wall16. The bracket 92 includes a yoke 94 which extends transversely of theshield structure and immediately beneath the top wall 19.

The opposite ends of the bars 86, 87 are slidingly connected with yoke94 of the bracket 93 and the frame member 34, respectively. The slideconnection with the frame member 34 is effected by a guide slot 95 inthe frame member 34 and a roller 96 on the bar 86 extending into theslot. The bar 87 is similarly connected with the bracket yoke 94 by aroller 97 attached to the bar and projecting into a channel 100 formedby the yoke.

It will be seen that as the frame 32 is shifted longitudinally of theframe of the tractor, the ends of the bars 86, 87 guided by the slot 95and channel 100 move in a plane parallel to the plane of the pivot pins91, 93. This action maintains the frame member 34 parallel to the rearwall 16 of the cab during extension and retraction of the shieldstructure. Thus, the three parallelogramming mechanisms 65, 66, 67support the frame 32 for movement along and above the tractor framewhile maintaining the frame 32 in a plane substantially parallel to thecab wall 16.

The air shield structure may be locked in various extended and retractedpositions. This may be accomplished by lock mechanisms 104, 105, FIG. 4,associated with the respective parallelogramming mechanisms 65, 66. Eachlock mechanism comprises a link of telescoping members which areselectively interconnectable with the lower ends of the crossed bars ofthe parallelogramming mechanisms. The telescoping members can be lockedin various lengths to prevent scissoring movement of the crossed bars ofthe mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lock mechanism 104 comprises atelescoping link formed of a tubular member 106, a tubular member 107telescoping inside the member 106 and a bar 110 telescoping in themember 107. The member 106 is attached to the lower end of the bar 71 ofthe mechanism 65. The connection is effected by an extension on theroller on the cross bar 71 projecting into the tubular member 106 nearits forward end. The outer end of the bar 1 10 is attached to the lowerend of the bar 70 of the mechanism by the roller 74 extending through atransverse opening in the bar.

The telescoping members 106, 107, can be locked together by lock pins112, 113. The members 106, 107, 110 have a series of openings 111 formedtherethrough and located so that when the shield structure is telescopedat different positions, at least one opening 111 in member 106 will bealigned with an opening in member 107 and an opening in member 110 willbe aligned with an opening in member 107. The pins 112, 113 may then beinserted through the two pairs of aligned openings respectively and lockthe members together.

The locking device 105 for the parallelogramming mechanism 66 isidentical to the locking mechanism 104 and for sake of brevity it is notdescribed in detail. Like parts, however, bear the same referencecharacters with a prime.

When the air shield structure is to be adjusted in length, the lockingpins of both lock devices 104 and 105 are removed from the lockingpositions. The air shield may then be moved to the length desired, afterwhich the locking pins are inserted in aligned openings in thetelescoping parts 106, 107, 110, etc., as described previously.

The air shield structure can be extended and retracted by power means,if desired. in the form shown, the bars 71 and 83 of the mechanisms 65,66 are swung about their pivots by fluid cylinders 114 and 1 15. Bothcylinders are identical and for sake of brevity only the cylinder 114 isdescribed. As may be seen in FIG. 5, the motor 114 comprises a cylinderhousing 1 16 supported at one end on a bracket attached to the tractorframe 14. A piston, not shown, reciprocates in the cylinder. A pistonrod 118 is attached to the piston and is pivotally attached to the crossbar 71. The housing 116 is pivotally attached to crossbar 120 supportedby the tractor frame 14. Reciprocation of the piston actuates theparallelogramming mechanism 65 by swinging the bar 71 about thevertically guided pivot roller 74. The parallelogramming mechanism 66 isadapted to be similarly actuated by the cylinder 1 15.

Both cylinders 114, are conveniently controlled as by valves in ahydraulic system in the tractor 11. When the power means is utilized toextend and retract the air shield structure, the locking devices 104,105 need not be employed.

It will be apparent that when the shield structure is extended toenclose the gap between the cab and the trailer, the tractor and trailerwill have the configuration of a vehicle having continuous sides andtops. This minimizes undesirable wind drag and turbulence and greatlyimproves the operating characterstics of the combination. Normal turningor articulation between the tractor and trailer may occur by reason ofthe flexible end plates 24, 43, 52 and 63. Should abnormally sharp turnsbe required, the air shield structure can be readily retracted so thatthe rigid plates of the shield do not interfere with the converging ofthe tractor and trailer.

Where a manual version of the air shield 13 is provided, there is needfor provision against lateral sway of the air shield. This isaccomplished by pairs of locking mechanisms one of which is shown inFIG. 7. An apertured bracket 121 is fixed to the vehicle frame 14. Ahook member 122 is pivotally mounted at 123 on the angle iron 33 of theframe 32. The hook member 122 has a depension 124 which projects throughan aperture in the bracket 121. A locking mechanism, not shown, which isthe mirror image of the mechanism shown in FIG. 7 is provided on theopposite side of the vehicle to connect the side 18 of the air shield tothe frame. These two locking mechanisms together prevent lateral sway ofthe shield 13.

Where the powered automatic version is provided, the construction shownin FIG. 8 is used in lieu of the latching mechanism of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 isa fragmentary perspective view of a connection of the shield side 18 tothe vehicle frame 14. A channel-bearing 125 is provided. The channelbearing 125 is open at the top and secured to the vehicle frame 14. Ashield guide and sway preventing bar 126 projects from the shield side18 inwardly. The sway bar 126 includes a depending end portion 127 whichextends into the channel bearing and slides therealong as the shield ismoved forwardly and rearwardly.

An articulation sensing mechanism comparable to that disclosed in US.Pat. No. 3,181,889 issued May 4, 1965 to B. C. Harris under the titleTrailer Clearance Device may be employed. That patent teaches anarticulation sensing mechanism which causes a servo system to shift afifth wheel longitudinally on the vehicle frame to provide trailerclearance. The corresponding servo mechanism may be employed here andconnected to the fluid cylinders 114, 115 to cause the air shield to bemoved forwardly and rearwardly automatically when the vehicle isarticulated at rather severe angles.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with acertain degree of particularity, it is understood that the presentdisclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of exampleand that numerous changes in the details of construction and thecombination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafterclaimed.

What is claimed is:

1. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining an articulatedconnection between forward and rearward over-the-highway vehicle unitscoupled together in tandem towing relationship, comprising:

(a) mounting means for mounting the air shield on one of the vehicleunits;

b. a telescopic arrangement of interconnected panel means supported bysaid mounting means for retraction to a position spaced from the otherunit and for extension so as to streamline the space between said units;

c. power means to extend and retract said panel means; and,

. sensor means for sensing vehicle articulation and coupled to saidpower means so as to effect extension and retraction of said panel meansto at least assist in the accommodation of articulation movement betweenthe vehicle units.

2. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining an articulatedconnection between forward and rearward over-the-highway vehicle unitscoupled together in tandem towing relationship, comprising:

a. an extensible, retractible streamlining air shield structure;

b. mounting means for mounting the air shield on one of the vehicleunits;

0. power means for extending and retracting the air shield; and,

d. sensing means for sensing articulation between the units and foractuating the power means so as to extend and retract the air shield toaccommodate for vehicle articulation between the units.

3. A tractor for a tractor-trailer combination comprising:

a. a tractor having a cab and means for connecting a trailer to thetractor;

b. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supportedon saidtractor with a forward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said caband a rearward end spaced from the cab;

c. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor;

. means for extending and retracting said structure from and towardssaid rear wall of said cab and generally parallel the centerline of saidtractor so as to move the rearward end of said structure to a positionadjacent an attached trailer;

e. said walls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid platesarranged generally side by side and extending in a generally commonplane, and means to support said plates in each wall for slidingmovement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shieldstructure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls;and,

f. said walls each including a relatively flexible plate forming the endportion of said air shield structure remote from said cab.

4. A tractor for a tractor-trailer combination comprising:

a. a tractor having a cab and means for connecting a trailer to thetractor;

b. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on saidtractor with a forward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said caband a rearward end spaced from the cab;

c. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor;

d. means for extending and retracting said structure from and towardssaid rear wall of said cab and generally parallel the centerline of saidtractor so as to move the rearward end of said structure to a positionadjacent an attached trailer;

c. said walls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid platesarranged generally side by side and extending in a generally commonplane, and means to support said plates in each wall for slidingmovement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shieldstructure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls;and,

f. said power means being adapted for connection to an articulationsensing mechanism.

5. in combination:

a. a trailer assembly a tractor assembly having a cab and articulationmeans for connecting the assemblies together;

0. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on one ofsaid assemblies with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said caband the other end adjacent the trailer assembly;

said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a top walladapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides and tops ofthe assemblies;

e. said walls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid platesarranged generally side by side and extending in a generally commonplane;

f. means to support said plates in each wall for sliding movement alonga surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and,

g. said means to support said plates including a rectangular frame towhich the side walls and top wall of said air shield structure areattached, and a parallelo-gramming mechanism attached at one end to saidone assembly and attached at the other end to said rectangular frame.

6. In combination:

a. a trailer assembly;

b. a tractor assembly having a cab and articulation means for connectingthe assemblies together;

c. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on one ofsaid assemblies with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said caband the other end adjacent the trailer assembly;

(1. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the assemblies;

c. said walls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid platesarranged generally side by side and extending in a generally commonplane;

f. means to support said plates in each wall for sliding movement alonga surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and,

. said walls each including a flexible plate forming the end portion ofsaid air shield structure at said one end of the shield remote from saidcab.

7. In an articulated, over-the-highway vehicle, the

combination of:

a. first .and second wheeled assemblies adapted for over-the-highwaytravel;

b. articulation means connecting the assemblies together for relativeturning movement and to permit one assembly to pull the other;

. said assemblies having substantially aligned tops and sides when theassemblies are aligned longitudinally for travel along a straightsection of highway;

. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on said firstassembly with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said oneassembly and the other end adjacent the said other assembly;

c. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the assemblies and to be substantially aligned therewith whenthe assemblies are longitudinally aligned;

f. said walls of said air shield structure each comprising a pluralityof relatively rigid plates arranged generally side by side and extendingin a generally common plane;

. means to support said plates in each wall for sliding movement along asurface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and,

h. said means to support said plates including a rectangular frame towhich the sides and top of said air shield structure are attached, and aparallelogramming mechanism attached at one end to said one assembly andattached at the other end to said rectangular frame.

8. in an articulated, over-the-highway vehicle, the

combination of:

a. first and second wheeled assemblies adapted for over-the-highwaytravel;

b. articulation means connecting the assemblies together for relativeturning movement and to permit one assembly to pull the other;

0. said assemblies having substantially aligned tops and sides when theassemblies are aligned longitudinally for travel along a straightsection of highway;

an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on said firstassembly with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said oneassembly and the other end adjacent the said other assembly;

c. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the assemblies and to be substantially aligned therewith whenthe assemblies are longitudinally aligned;

f. said walls of said air shield structure each comprising a pluralityof relatively rigid plates arranged generally side by side and extendingin a generally common plane;

g. means to support said plates in each wall for slid ing movement alonga surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and,

. said walls each including a flexible plate forming the end portion ofsaid air shield structure at said one end of the shield remote from saidsecond assembly.

9. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining an articulatedconnection between first and second over-the-highway vehicle unitscoupled together in tandem towing relationship, comprising:

a. mounting means for mounting the air shield on said first vehicleunit; I

. a telescopic arrangement of interconnected panel means supported bysaid mounting means for retraction to a position spaced from the secondunit and for extension so as to streamline the space between said units;

c. said panel means including at least one relatively flexible panelstructure disposed near one of said units to accommodate normalarticulation movement between the units.

10. The air shield of claim 9 wherein said panel means further includesat least one rigid panel structure disposed near said first unit tofacilitate the provision of a relatively rigid air shield structure.

11. A tractor for a tractor-trailer combination comprising:

a. a tractor having a cab and means for connecting a trailer to thetractor;

an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on said tractorwith a forward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said cab and arearward end spaced from the cab;

c. said air shield structure having two opposite side walls and a topwall adapted to substantially bridge the space between the sides andtops of the tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor;

d. means for extending and retracting said structure from and towardssaid rear wall of said cab and generally parallel the centerline of saidtractor so as to move the rearward end of said structure to a positionadjacent an attached trailer;

e. said walls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid platesarranged generally side by side and extending in a generally commonplane, and means I to support said plates in each wall for slidingmovement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shieldstructure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls;and,

f. said means to support said plates including a rectangular frame towhich the side walls and top wall of said air shield structure areattached, and a parallelogramming mechanism attached at one end to saidtractor and attached at the other end to said rectangular frame.

12. A tractor for a tractor-trailer combination as defined in claim 1 1further characterized by said parallelo-gramming mechanism comprisingtwo scissors arranged bars at opposite sides of said air shieldstructure and a scissors-type bar device at the top of said shieldstructure.

13. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining anarticulated connection between forward and rearward over-the-highwayvehicle units coupled together in tandem towing relationship,comprising:

a. mounting means for mounting the air shield on the forward vehicleunit;

b. a telescopic arrangement of interconnected plates supported by saidmounting means for retraction to a position spaced from the rearwardunit and for extension so as to streamline the space between said units;

c. said plates including a combination of rigid and flexible plates,said rigid plates being disposed adjacent said forward unit and saidflexible plates being disposed ad'acent s aid rearward unit such thatsaid rigid pla es facilitate the provision of a relatively rigid airshield structure while said flexible plates accommodate normalarticulation movement between the units.

14. The air shield of claim 13 additionally including frame meansinterconnecting said plates for sliding movement and linkage means forconcurrently extending or contracting said plates in a telescopicfashion.

15. The air shield of claim 14 further including means to lock the airshield structure in a plurality of extended positions.

16. The air shield of claim 14 wherein said plates are arranged so as toform a pair of side walls and a top wall, which walls are interconnectedby said frame means so as to move concurrently as a unit duringretraction and extension.

17. The air shield of claim 16 wherein said plates are further arrangedso as to form a bottom wall.

18. The air shield of claim 16 additionally including power means toextend and retract said air shield structure.

19. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining anarticulated connection between first and second over-the-highway vehicleunits coupled together in tandem towing relationship, comprising:

a. mounting means for mounting the air shield on said first vehicleunit; a telescopic arrangement of interconnected panel means supportedby said mounting means for retraction to a position spaced from saidsecond unit and for extension so as to streamline the space between saidunits;

0. said panel means including a combination of relatively rigid andrelatively flexible panel structures, said rigid panel structures beingdisposed near one of said units and said flexible panel structures beingdisposed near the other of said units such that said rigid panelstructures facilitate the provision of a relatively rigid air shieldstructure while said flexible panel structures accommodate normalarticulation movement between the units.

20. The air shield of claim 19 additionally including frame meansinterconnecting said panel structures for telescopic movement andlinkage means for concurrently extending or contracting said panelstructures in a telescopic fashion.

21. The air shield of claim 20 further including means to lock the airshield structure in a plurality of extended positions.

22. The air shield of claim 19 wherein said panel structures arearranged so as to form a pair of side walls and a top wall, which wallsare interconnected by said frame means so as to move concurrently as aunit during retraction and extension.

23. The air shield of claim 22 wherein said panel structures are furtherarranged so as to form a bottom wall.

24. The air shield of claim 22 additionally including power means toextend and retract said air shield structure.

1. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining an articulatedconnection between forward and rearward over-thehighway vehicle unitscoupled together in tandem towing relationship, comprising: (a) mountingmeans for mounting the air shield on one of the vehicle units; b. atelescopic arrangement of interconnected panel means supported by saidmounting means for retraction to a position spaced from the other unitand for extension so as to streamline the space between said units; c.power means to extend and retract said panel means; and, d. sensor meansfor sensing vehicle articulation and coupled to said power means so aSto effect extension and retraction of said panel means to at leastassist in the accommodation of articulation movement between the vehicleunits.
 2. An extensible streamlining air shield for streamlining anarticulated connection between forward and rearward over-the-highwayvehicle units coupled together in tandem towing relationship,comprising: a. an extensible, retractible streamlining air shieldstructure; b. mounting means for mounting the air shield on one of thevehicle units; c. power means for extending and retracting the airshield; and, d. sensing means for sensing articulation between the unitsand for actuating the power means so as to extend and retract the airshield to accommodate for vehicle articulation between the units.
 3. Atractor for a tractor-trailer combination comprising: a. a tractorhaving a cab and means for connecting a trailer to the tractor; b. anextensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on said tractorwith a forward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said cab and arearward end spaced from the cab; c. said air shield structure havingtwo opposite side walls and a top wall adapted to substantially bridgethe space between the sides and tops of the tractor and a trailerconnected to the tractor; d. means for extending and retracting saidstructure from and towards said rear wall of said cab and generallyparallel the centerline of said tractor so as to move the rearward endof said structure to a position adjacent an attached trailer; e. saidwalls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid plates arrangedgenerally side by side and extending in a generally common plane, andmeans to support said plates in each wall for sliding movement along asurface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and, f. saidwalls each including a relatively flexible plate forming the end portionof said air shield structure remote from said cab.
 4. A tractor for atractor-trailer combination comprising: a. a tractor having a cab andmeans for connecting a trailer to the tractor; b. an extensibletunnel-like air shield structure supported on said tractor with aforward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said cab and a rearwardend spaced from the cab; c. said air shield structure having twoopposite side walls and a top wall adapted to substantially bridge thespace between the sides and tops of the tractor and a trailer connectedto the tractor; d. means for extending and retracting said structurefrom and towards said rear wall of said cab and generally parallel thecenterline of said tractor so as to move the rearward end of saidstructure to a position adjacent an attached trailer; e. said walls eachcomprising a plurality of relatively rigid plates arranged generallyside by side and extending in a generally common plane, and means tosupport said plates in each wall for sliding movement along a surface ofan adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure is extended andretracted by telescoping action of said walls; and, f. said power meansbeing adapted for connection to an articulation sensing mechanism.
 5. Incombination: a. a trailer assembly b. a tractor assembly having a caband articulation means for connecting the assemblies together; c. anextensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported on one of saidassemblies with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall of said cab andthe other end adjacent the trailer assembly; d. said air shieldstructure having two opposite side walls and a top wall adapted tosubstantially bridge the space between the sides and tops of theassemblies; e. said walls each comprising a plurality of relativelyrigid plates arranged generally side by side and extending in agenerally common plane; f. means to support said plates in each wall forsliding movement along a surface of an adjacent plate Whereby said airshield structure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of saidwalls; and, g. said means to support said plates including a rectangularframe to which the side walls and top wall of said air shield structureare attached, and a parallelo-gramming mechanism attached at one end tosaid one assembly and attached at the other end to said rectangularframe.
 6. In combination: a. a trailer assembly; b. a tractor assemblyhaving a cab and articulation means for connecting the assembliestogether; c. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported onone of said assemblies with one end thereof adjacent the rear wall ofsaid cab and the other end adjacent the trailer assembly; d. said airshield structure having two opposite side walls and a top wall adaptedto substantially bridge the space between the sides and tops of theassemblies; e. said walls each comprising a plurality of relativelyrigid plates arranged generally side by side and extending in agenerally common plane; f. means to support said plates in each wall forsliding movement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said airshield structure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of saidwalls; and, g. said walls each including a flexible plate forming theend portion of said air shield structure at said one end of the shieldremote from said cab.
 7. In an articulated, over-the-highway vehicle,the combination of: a. first and second wheeled assemblies adapted forover-the-highway travel; b. articulation means connecting the assembliestogether for relative turning movement and to permit one assembly topull the other; c. said assemblies having substantially aligned tops andsides when the assemblies are aligned longitudinally for travel along astraight section of highway; d. an extensible tunnel-like air shieldstructure supported on said first assembly with one end thereof adjacentthe rear wall of said one assembly and the other end adjacent the saidother assembly; e. said air shield structure having two opposite sidewalls and a top wall adapted to substantially bridge the space betweenthe sides and tops of the assemblies and to be substantially alignedtherewith when the assemblies are longitudinally aligned; f. said wallsof said air shield structure each comprising a plurality of relativelyrigid plates arranged generally side by side and extending in agenerally common plane; g. means to support said plates in each wall forsliding movement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said airshield structure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of saidwalls; and, h. said means to support said plates including a rectangularframe to which the sides and top of said air shield structure areattached, and a parallelogramming mechanism attached at one end to saidone assembly and attached at the other end to said rectangular frame. 8.In an articulated, over-the-highway vehicle, the combination of: a.first and second wheeled assemblies adapted for over-the-highway travel;b. articulation means connecting the assemblies together for relativeturning movement and to permit one assembly to pull the other; c. saidassemblies having substantially aligned tops and sides when theassemblies are aligned longitudinally for travel along a straightsection of highway; d. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structuresupported on said first assembly with one end thereof adjacent the rearwall of said one assembly and the other end adjacent the said otherassembly; e. said air shield structure having two opposite side wallsand a top wall adapted to substantially bridge the space between thesides and tops of the assemblies and to be substantially alignedtherewith when the assemblies are longitudinally aligned; f. said wallsof said air shield structure each comprising a plurality of relativelyrigid plates arranged generally side by side and extending in agenerally common plane; g. means to support said plates in each wall forsliding movement along a surface of an adjacent plate whereby said airshield structure is extended and retracted by telescoping action of saidwalls; and, h. said walls each including a flexible plate forming theend portion of said air shield structure at said one end of the shieldremote from said second assembly.
 9. An extensible streamlining airshield for streamlining an articulated connection between first andsecond over-the-highway vehicle units coupled together in tandem towingrelationship, comprising: a. mounting means for mounting the air shieldon said first vehicle unit; b. a telescopic arrangement ofinterconnected panel means supported by said mounting means forretraction to a position spaced from the second unit and for extensionso as to streamline the space between said units; c. said panel meansincluding at least one relatively flexible panel structure disposed nearone of said units to accommodate normal articulation movement betweenthe units.
 10. The air shield of claim 9 wherein said panel meansfurther includes at least one rigid panel structure disposed near saidfirst unit to facilitate the provision of a relatively rigid air shieldstructure.
 11. A tractor for a tractor-trailer combination comprising:a. a tractor having a cab and means for connecting a trailer to thetractor; b. an extensible tunnel-like air shield structure supported onsaid tractor with a forward end thereof adjacent the rear wall of saidcab and a rearward end spaced from the cab; c. said air shield structurehaving two opposite side walls and a top wall adapted to substantiallybridge the space between the sides and tops of the tractor and a trailerconnected to the tractor; d. means for extending and retracting saidstructure from and towards said rear wall of said cab and generallyparallel the centerline of said tractor so as to move the rearward endof said structure to a position adjacent an attached trailer; e. saidwalls each comprising a plurality of relatively rigid plates arrangedgenerally side by side and extending in a generally common plane, andmeans to support said plates in each wall for sliding movement along asurface of an adjacent plate whereby said air shield structure isextended and retracted by telescoping action of said walls; and, f. saidmeans to support said plates including a rectangular frame to which theside walls and top wall of said air shield structure are attached, and aparallelogramming mechanism attached at one end to said tractor andattached at the other end to said rectangular frame.
 12. A tractor for atractor-trailer combination as defined in claim 11 further characterizedby said parallelo-gramming mechanism comprising two scissors arrangedbars at opposite sides of said air shield structure and a scissors-typebar device at the top of said shield structure.
 13. An extensiblestreamlining air shield for streamlining an articulated connectionbetween forward and rearward over-the-highway vehicle units coupledtogether in tandem towing relationship, comprising: a. mounting meansfor mounting the air shield on the forward vehicle unit; b. a telescopicarrangement of interconnected plates supported by said mounting meansfor retraction to a position spaced from the rearward unit and forextension so as to streamline the space between said units; c. saidplates including a combination of rigid and flexible plates, said rigidplates being disposed adjacent said forward unit and said flexibleplates being disposed adjacent said rearward unit such that said rigidplates facilitate the provision of a relatively rigid air shieldstructure while said flexible plates accommodate normal articulationmovement between the units.
 14. The air shield of claim 13 additionallyincluding frame means interconnecting said plates for sliding movementand linkage means for concuRrently extending or contracting said platesin a telescopic fashion.
 15. The air shield of claim 14 furtherincluding means to lock the air shield structure in a plurality ofextended positions.
 16. The air shield of claim 14 wherein said platesare arranged so as to form a pair of side walls and a top wall, whichwalls are interconnected by said frame means so as to move concurrentlyas a unit during retraction and extension.
 17. The air shield of claim16 wherein said plates are further arranged so as to form a bottom wall.18. The air shield of claim 16 additionally including power means toextend and retract said air shield structure.
 19. An extensiblestreamlining air shield for streamlining an articulated connectionbetween first and second over-the-highway vehicle units coupled togetherin tandem towing relationship, comprising: a. mounting means formounting the air shield on said first vehicle unit; b. a telescopicarrangement of interconnected panel means supported by said mountingmeans for retraction to a position spaced from said second unit and forextension so as to streamline the space between said units; c. saidpanel means including a combination of relatively rigid and relativelyflexible panel structures, said rigid panel structures being disposednear one of said units and said flexible panel structures being disposednear the other of said units such that said rigid panel structuresfacilitate the provision of a relatively rigid air shield structurewhile said flexible panel structures accommodate normal articulationmovement between the units.
 20. The air shield of claim 19 additionallyincluding frame means interconnecting said panel structures fortelescopic movement and linkage means for concurrently extending orcontracting said panel structures in a telescopic fashion.
 21. The airshield of claim 20 further including means to lock the air shieldstructure in a plurality of extended positions.
 22. The air shield ofclaim 19 wherein said panel structures are arranged so as to form a pairof side walls and a top wall, which walls are interconnected by saidframe means so as to move concurrently as a unit during retraction andextension.
 23. The air shield of claim 22 wherein said panel structuresare further arranged so as to form a bottom wall.
 24. The air shield ofclaim 22 additionally including power means to extend and retract saidair shield structure.